women and men to have equal access to resources, including land, so that they can become as efficient as possible

equal sharing between men and women of reproductive work, including preparing and distributing food

women to play a more significant role in decision-making concerning food production and distribution issues.

This issue of insights shows how development policy and practice can potentially improve food security while supporting women’s empowerment. They can focus on women’s critical role as food producers, consumers and family carers, while transforming gender norms and inequalities within households and communities. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to achieving these outcomes, but it is vital to ensure that food security interventions:

are informed by both women and men at the local level in their design and implementation

are tailored to specific contexts, given the often vast disparities in experience, needs and gender roles within countries and regions

take into account and respect women’s instrumental role in food production

involve women and men equally in decision-making around food production, consumption and distribution.